Bicycle Suspension Fork Lockout via Common Adjustment Lever
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suspension forks for bicycles lack flexible and simple adjustment mechanisms for spring and damping properties, leading to unfavorable changes in bicycle geometry when attempting to lock out deflection, which affects caster and steering angles.
Innovation Solution
A suspension fork with a damping system featuring both check valves for rebound and compression stages, controlled by a common adjustment part that allows simultaneous activation or deactivation, enabling the fork to be locked in any compression or rebound position, thus maintaining stability and simplifying operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a check valve for blocking the rebound stage is activated to increase deflection, then the suspension fork deflects further during damping movements, but the overall geometry of the bicycle changes unfavorably and the suspension fork cannot rebound
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the suspension fork by providing adjustable check valves that can be opened or closed based on riding conditions. The first check valve controls rebound damping and the second check valve controls compression damping, allowing the system to transition between soft and rigid states. This dynamic adjustability enables the suspension fork to maintain favorable bicycle geometry while still providing increased deflection when needed, resolving the contradiction between deflection and geometric stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate adjustment elements controlled via Bowden cables are used to control multiple check valves, then the check valves can be adjusted, but the installation becomes complex and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the adjustment control of multiple check valves into a single integrated adjustment mechanism. Instead of using separate Bowden cables for each check valve, the invention provides a common adjustment element that simultaneously controls both the first check valve (rebound stage) and the second check valve (compression stage). This integration dramatically simplifies the system, reducing the number of components, easing installation, and eliminating the maintenance issues associated with multiple cables while preserving full adjustability of both check valves.
3Strength
If both check valves for rebound and compression stages are activated simultaneously, then an almost rigid suspension fork is provided, but the system requires complex control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves simultaneous activation of both check valves through a single common adjustment element. This adjustment element is designed to control both the first check valve (rebound stage) and the second check valve (compression stage) in unison, allowing the rider to transform the suspension fork from a soft, compliant state to a rigid, locked state with a single action. This merging of control functions eliminates the need for complex multi-component control mechanisms while achieving the desired rigid state for steep inclines and technical terrain.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The common adjustment part allows for reliable and easy operation, preventing compression or rebound, thereby maintaining the desired position and geometry of the bicycle, enhancing safety and comfort during steep inclines.
Implementation Method 1
a check valve for blocking the rebound stage
Implementation Method 2
a check valve for blocking the compression stage
Implementation Method 3
a damping system... with which the locking of the rebound stage and the locking of the compression stage are adjustable
Data Source
AI summary
A damper system arranged in a stanchion tube includes a shut-off valve (24) for locking the rebound stage and a shut-off valve (25) for locking the compression stage. A shared adjusting lever (40) is used for adjusting locking of the rebound stage and the compression stage. The damper chamber (10) is divided into upper chamber (11) and lower chamber by a movable piston and a control section (15) is arranged above the movable piston at the stanchion tube. An independent claim is included for damper system.